What the Housing Authority of Kern County does in Visalia

The Housing Authority of Kern County (HAKC) is the public agency that runs housing programs in Visalia and the rest of Kern County. They administer Section 8 vouchers, manage public housing properties, and handle applications for rental information. HAKC is a separate government body from the city of Visalia — it answers to a board of commissioners, not the city council.

HAKC's main office for Visalia is located at 1601 Westchester Drive, Visalia, CA 93277. You can reach them by phone at (661) 325-8800. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm before visiting in person.

The agency does not make decisions about who gets housing based on immigration status, criminal history, or credit score alone. Each program has its own rules, and HAKC staff can tell you which programs you might be able to use based on your household income, family size, and current housing situation.

Key Takeaways

  • HAKC is a county agency, not a city agency, and runs Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency rental information programs in Visalia.
  • The main office is at 1601 Westchester Drive in Visalia, and you can call (661) 325-8800 during business hours to ask which programs you might use.
  • Section 8 vouchers usually have a waiting list that closes and opens periodically, so you need to call to find out whether applications are being taken right now.
  • HAKC accepts applications in person, by phone, and sometimes by mail, depending on the program — ask when you call which method is fastest for your situation.
  • You will need proof of income, household composition, and current housing status for any program, so gather those documents before you contact them.

Section 8 vouchers and the waiting list

HAKC runs the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord. The voucher amount depends on your household income and family size, and you pay the difference. Most households pay 30 percent of their income toward rent.

The Section 8 waiting list in Kern County is usually closed. When it is open, HAKC accepts applications for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks, sometimes a few months. You can call (661) 325-8800 and ask whether the list is open right now. If it is closed, ask when they expect to open it again and whether you can ask to be notified when that happens.

If you are on the waiting list, HAKC will contact you when a voucher becomes available. The wait can be months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time to find a landlord who will accept it — usually 60 to 90 days — and then HAKC inspects the unit before the voucher takes effect.

Public housing properties HAKC owns or manages

HAKC owns and manages several public housing complexes in Visalia. These are apartments where rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, with no voucher needed. Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8.

To learn which properties are in Visalia and whether they have openings, call HAKC directly. They can tell you the address, number of bedrooms, and current wait time for each property. Some properties may have shorter waits than others, and some may prioritize households with specific needs — for example, elderly residents or people with disabilities.

The process process for public housing is similar to Section 8: you provide proof of income, household composition, and current housing status. HAKC will also conduct a background check and may contact previous landlords.

Emergency rental information and eviction prevention

HAKC sometimes administers emergency rental information funds when the county or state receives money for that purpose. These programs pay back rent you already owe, and sometimes help with utilities or other housing-related costs. They are not permanent — they depend on funding that comes and goes.

To find out whether an emergency rental information program is open right now, call (661) 325-8800 and ask. If one is available, HAKC will tell you what documents you need, how much they can pay, and how long the process takes. Most programs require proof of a recent hardship (job loss, illness, reduced hours) and a signed lease.

If you have an eviction notice, tell HAKC when you call. Some emergency programs prioritize cases with active court dates, and HAKC may be able to contact the court on your behalf to ask for a delay while your process is being reviewed.

Documents you will need to bring or send

Most HAKC programs require the same basic documents. Have these ready before you call or visit:

  • Photo ID for each adult in your household
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, benefit statements, or a letter from your employer)
  • Proof of household composition (birth certificates, custody papers, or a letter from a doctor if you are pregnant)
  • Current lease or rental agreement, or proof of where you are living now
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or work permit)

If you are explore for emergency rental information, also bring proof of the hardship (termination letter, medical bills, or a letter from your employer stating reduced hours) and the landlord's contact information.

HAKC may ask for additional documents depending on your situation. If you are unsure whether you have the right documents, call and ask. Staff can tell you exactly what they need before you make a trip to the office.

How to contact HAKC and what to expect

You can reach HAKC by phone at (661) 325-8800 during business hours. When you call, have your household size, current income, and housing situation ready. The staff member can tell you which programs might work for you and what the next step is.

You can also visit the office in person at 1601 Westchester Drive, Visalia, CA 93277. Bring all your documents with you if you go in person. Some programs allow you to submit applications by mail, but calling first to confirm the address and current process is faster than guessing.

HAKC's website is www.hakc.net. It has general information about programs and sometimes posts updates about waiting list openings, but the phone number is the most reliable way to find out whether a program is open right now and what you need to do next.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

For Section 8 and public housing, you will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when a unit becomes available — this can take months or years. For emergency rental information, HAKC usually makes a decision within two to six weeks, though some programs are faster if your case is urgent.

Can I explore for Section 8 and public housing at the same time?

Yes. They are separate programs with separate waiting lists, so you can be on both. If you receive a voucher or are offered public housing, you can accept it and withdraw from the other list.

What if I don't speak English?

HAKC provides interpreters for phone calls and in-person visits. When you call, tell the staff member what language you speak, and they will arrange an interpreter or call you back with one on the line. Do not rely on a family member to interpret official documents.

Do I have to own a home to get help from HAKC?

No. HAKC programs are for renters. Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency rental information all help people who pay rent to a landlord. If you own your home, HAKC cannot help you through these programs.

What happens if I lose my job while I'm on the waiting list?

Your place on the waiting list does not change. When you are offered a unit, HAKC will verify your current income at that time. If your income has changed, tell them — it may affect the rent amount you pay, but it usually will not remove you from consideration.